before battle diffusing complex ranks

Planar Ally

Spells Player’s Handbook

exchange for payment, but it isn’t obliged to do so. The requested task could range from simple (fly us across the chasm, or help us fight a battle) to complex (spy on our enemies, or protect us during

Cadaver Collector Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

until they are called upon by a necromancer, hobgoblin general, or other evil warlord to bolster the ranks of a conquering army. These fearsome constructs obey their summoners until being dismissed

. Cadaver collectors respond to a summons from a mortal only when they are called to the scene of a great battle — either where one is in progress, where one is imminent, or where one once took place

Cadaver Collector

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

the effect on itself with a success.The ancient war machines known as collectors lumber aimlessly across the blasted plains of Acheron until they are called upon by a necromancer to bolster the ranks

great battle—either where one is in progress, where one is imminent, or where one once took place. They encase themselves in the armor and weapons of fallen warriors and impale the corpses of those

Necromite of Myrkul

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

spellbooks and other tomes from wizards outside of the cult. Cult Ranks. A follower of Myrkul wields a flail that has a skull replacing the normal flail’s striking head. Necromite of Myrkul;Necromites

are initiates who have not yet mastered arcane magic and rely on their flails in battle. Skull Lasher of Myrkul;Skull lashers are spellcasters who use magic to augment their combat abilities. The

Dhergoloth

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, dhergoloths rush into battle like whirlwinds of destruction, lashing out with the five sets of claws that extend from their squat, barrel-shaped bodies. They take contracts to put down uprisings, clear out

brutes, employers must use caution when instructing them. They can handle simple orders that don’t take a lot of time to resolve. When given anything complex to do, however, they either forget what

Planar Ally Legacy

Spells Basic Rules (2014)

service in exchange for payment, but it isn't obliged to do so. The requested task could range from simple (fly us across the chasm, or help us fight a battle) to complex (spy on our enemies, or

Skull Lasher of Myrkul

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

lore. They seek out arcane secrets in ancient ruins, and attempt to steal spellbooks and other tomes from wizards outside of the cult. Cult Ranks. A follower of Myrkul wields a flail that has a skull

replacing the normal flail’s striking head. Necromite of Myrkul;Necromites are initiates who have not yet mastered arcane magic and rely on their flails in battle. Skull Lasher of Myrkul;Skull

Howler

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

-numbing howling to corner prey before they tear it apart. Their howls flood the minds of their victims, making complex thought impossible. Listeners can do little more than stare in horror and stumble

around the battlefield in a search for safety. Fiends especially prize howlers for this reason, because for a few crucial moments in a battle, their howls can neutralize an enemy.Cold, Fire, Lightning; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Viari

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

quickly rising in the ranks of Acquisitions Incorporated since joining that august team, Viari has come to head what's known as the organization's Stabbing Department. A potent threat in both dueling

adventurer was nearly cut short during a battle of which the bards still sing. Unleashing a devastating attack with the aptly named Apocalypse Dagger, the rogue destroyed a giant single-handedly — and lost

High Fae Mage

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

among the fae, magically negotiating themselves advantages in battle. Like many high fae, these mages draw power from the latent energy found throughout the wilds of Eldraine. However, high fae mages

frequently engage in deceptions and other complex games of wits against one another. Most high fae remain secluded deep within the wilds of Eldraine. They draw power from motes of light found

Master of Souls

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

attempt to steal spellbooks and other tomes from wizards outside of the cult. Cult Ranks. A follower of Myrkul wields a flail that has a skull replacing the normal flail's striking head. Necromite of

Myrkul;Necromites are initiates who have not yet mastered arcane magic and rely on their flails in battle. Skull Lasher of Myrkul;Skull lashers are spellcasters who use magic to augment their combat

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

, work with your DM to determine which military organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your military career. Was it a

. d6 Flaw 1 The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear. 2 I have little respect for anyone who is not a proven warrior. 3 I made a terrible

Geryon (Variant)

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

use this opportunity to replace his hated rival. Among the archdevils, Geryon is known for his martial prowess. He is a ferocious hunter and a relentless tracker. He often joins his troops in battle

hierarchy. Sages who study the Nine Hells believe the battle for control of Stygia is a test staged by Asmodeus in hopes of purging the worst impulses from both Geryon and Levistus—or discovering a

Hobgoblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hierarchy, every hobgoblin in a legion has a rank, from the warlord down through a cadre of officers to the soldiers that make up most of its number. These ranks, using the titles most often applied

greatest respect is reserved for those who earn their glory in battle. In theory, the fortunes of war can elevate the lowest-ranking banner in a legion to the highest status. In practice, warlords are

Geryon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

opportunity to replace his hated rival. Among the archdevils, Geryon is known for his martial prowess. He is a ferocious hunter and a relentless tracker. He often joins his troops in battle; he loves

. Sages who study the Nine Hells believe the battle for control of Stygia is a test staged by Asmodeus in hopes of purging the worst impulses from both Geryon and Levistus—or discovering a competent

Boros Legionnaire

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, inspired by the example of the angels, moved by the plight of the downtrodden, and devoted to the cause of justice. Or you could be a cynic in the ranks, perhaps because you reluctantly followed in the

;s wing, a tattered piece of a Boros banner (a souvenir from a famous battle), a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 2 gp (Boros-minted 1-zino coins) Feature: Legion Station You have

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

military organization you were a part of, how far through its ranks you progressed, and what kind of experiences you had during your military career. Was it a standing army, a town guard, or a village

. 5 Those who fight beside me are those worth dying for. 6 I fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. d6 Flaw 1 The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still

Ancient Sapphire Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

seeks adventurers to lead into battle against the mind flayer;mind flayers that usurped the dragon’s lair. 4 Powerful infernal creatures have opened a portal in the middle of a city square

their army in battle centuries ago. 3 An ancient sapphire dragon guards the phylactery of a lich who helped the dragon establish a lair centuries before becoming Undead. 4 Lolth the Spider

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the plane of Acheron. It is there in the afterlife where the chosen ones will join Gruumsh and his armies in their endless extraplanar battle for supremacy. Gods of the Orcs Orcs believe their gods

gather and celebrate, dwell the followers of Yurtrus, the god of disease and death, and Shargaas, the god of darkness and the unknown. Orcs too weak for battle (because of bodily weakness, malformation

Cleric Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

Arms and eyes upraised toward the sun and a prayer on his lips, an elf begins to glow with an inner light that spills out to heal his battle-worn companions. Chanting a song of glory, a dwarf swings

his axe in wide swaths to cut through the ranks of orcs arrayed against him, shouting praise to the gods with every foe’s fall. Calling down a curse upon the forces of undeath, a human lifts

Monk Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

Her fists a blur as they deflect an incoming hail of arrows, a half-elf springs over a barricade and throws herself into the massed ranks of hobgoblins on the other side. She whirls among them

, knocking their blows aside and sending them reeling, until at last she stands alone. Taking a deep breath, a human covered in tattoos settles into a battle stance. As the first charging orcs reach him, he

Adult Sapphire Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

ancient pact to advise a monarchy on matters of defense—until someone bests the dragon’s security measures. 3 A sapphire dragon seeks adventurers to lead into battle against the mind

of psychic forces has begun to affect the local fauna in strange ways. Sapphire Dragon Lairs Sapphire dragons make their lairs in enormous caverns and complex tunnel systems. As they grow

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

populated areas, practice cannibalism, believing it is foolish to waste good meat. In any case, kobolds that eat humanoids don’t simply start consuming corpses or prisoners right after a battle

gnomes and other humanoids, the kobolds instinctively attack the gnomes. Kobolds in battle with gnomes are much less likely to run away because their hatred overrules their sense of self-preservation

Battle of Elturel

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

Battle of Elturel Legions of devils camped on the shores of the River Styx below Elturel are the biggest threats for characters attempting to flee the city. Characters who fly, glide, or balloon over

legions of devils encircle the enormous posts of infernal iron that anchor Elturel to the rocky ground. Squads of demons fighting ten deep in some places hurl themselves into the devils’ ranks. Most of

Running This Chapter

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

on the Isle of Serpents on Oerth, a world known for its legendary dungeons and magical treasures. The characters arrive on the island in time to witness a battle between a kraken and a crew of

in the complex the archaeologists were exploring: the Tomb of Wayward Souls. The archaeologists haven’t explored far into the deadly complex, so the characters must face its challenges without much

Recovering from Defeat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

resistance, for example. The ranks of the cult are depleted, and they can’t be refilled until word spreads about the arrival of an elemental prince. Characters know what to expect, but the Prince of Elemental Evil is arrogant and disdainful enough to carry on just as he or she did in the first battle.

active role in thwarting Elemental Evil. Reports from characters who survived the first battle carry great weight with them, and it’s possible that a faction was scrying near the node at just the right

Retreat!

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

Retreat! If the adventurers retreat from the sounds of battle, they barely escape from a partial collapse of their local section of Araumycos’s cavern complex. They race ahead of a small horde of

Wizardly Groups

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

wear complex tattoos reflecting their ambitions and achievements and their favored school of magic. In Thay, the Red Wizards have ultimate power, although they give governance of day-to-day affairs to

and is universally viewed with suspicion. War Wizards The potential for wizards to influence the outcome of battle is something no ruler in Faerûn can afford to ignore, and most great armies seek to

Khur Joins

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

-Khan to defeat the Green Dragon Army’s original highlord in battle, then offered to make Salah-Khan highlord in his place. In exchange for control over Khur and the surrounding lands, Salah-Khan

accepted and pledged his people to Takhisis, adding to the Dragon Armies’ ranks. Few can say whether he did so to further his own ambitions or to spare Khur a long, bloody conflict, but many Khur view Salah-Khan as a traitor to his people and fiercely resist the Green Dragon Army’s occupation.

Cleric

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

Cleric Arms and eyes upraised toward the sun and a prayer on his lips, an elf begins to glow with an inner light that spills out to heal his battle-worn companions. Chanting a song of glory, a dwarf

swings his axe in wide swaths to cut through the ranks of orcs arrayed against him, shouting praise to the gods with every foe’s fall. Calling down a curse upon the forces of undeath, a human lifts

Cleric

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Cleric Arms and eyes upraised toward the sun and a prayer on his lips, an elf begins to glow with an inner light that spills out to heal his battle-worn companions. Chanting a song of glory, a dwarf

swings his axe in wide swaths to cut through the ranks of orcs arrayed against him, shouting praise to the gods with every foe’s fall. Calling down a curse upon the forces of undeath, a human lifts

Hobgoblin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

. However, they hate elves and attack them first in battle over any other opponents, even if doing so would be a tactical error. Legions often supplement their ranks with less reliable and more

Maglubiyet. Hobgoblins worship Maglubiyet the Mighty One, the greater god of goblinoids. As terrifying as this figure is, hobgoblins don’t fear death, believing that when they die in battle, their spirits join the honored ranks of Maglubiyet’s army on the plane of Acheron.

Within the Well of Dragons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

cultists working in and patrolling the caverns are on high alert, and use a complex system of checks and passwords as proof against spies and enemy agents. The advanced state of the ritual means that

all cultists have been ordered to patrol or prepare for battle. If the characters tarry too long in one place or wander around the Well of Dragons without purpose, add additional guard patrols based on existing encounters.

Miska

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

enough for Miska to exit, so Miska is widening it. If he can break free, he can join the battle his forces are engaged in and revel in chaos once again. If the rod is removed or knocked aside, the seal

snaps shut and binds Miska once more. Miska isn’t idle while trying to free himself. He commands the armies of spyder-fiends and other demons through his spyder-fiend battle leaders, the raklupises

Within the Well of Dragons

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

cultists working in and patrolling the caverns are on high alert, and use a complex system of checks and passwords as proof against spies and enemy agents. The advanced state of the ritual means that

all cultists have been ordered to patrol or prepare for battle. If the characters tarry too long in one place or wander around the Well of Dragons without purpose, add additional guard patrols based on existing encounters. Map 17.1: The Well of Dragons View Player Version

D&D Beyond

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